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Paul Bauer named interim dean of College of Visual and Performing Arts

April 23, 2015
Paul Bauer

Paul Bauer has championed internet2 technology in instruction and performance while serving as director of the NIU School of Music

Northern Illinois University announced it has selected Paul Bauer as interim dean of the NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts, effective May 1.

Bauer, who joined NIU in 1986, served as director of the NIU School of Music for 20 years until his retirement in May, 2014. He has taught applied trombone, euphonium and tuba, as well as low brass instrumental techniques. An active performer, clinician, conductor, lecturer in jazz studies and author, he is the past president of the Association of Illinois Music Schools.

“I am delighted that Paul Bauer has agreed to serve as interim dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. His administrative experience and creativity will serve the college well during the coming academic year,” said NIU Executive Vice President and Provost Lisa Freeman. “His enthusiasm for the college, its faculty and students will help NIU attract excellent candidates as we conduct a national search for Dean (Rich) Holly’s permanent successor.”

Holly, a professor of percussion at NIU since 1983, has served as dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts since 2008.

Rich Holly, dean of the NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts, welcomes the workshop participants to DeKalb.

Rich Holly, dean of the NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts

“It pleases me greatly that Paul Bauer will serve as interim dean for the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Paul was a tremendous steward of his responsibilities while serving as the director of the School of Music, and he is intimately familiar with the people in the college as well as across NIU,” Holly said. “His deep knowledge of university practices and procedures in addition to his broad understanding and global view of the arts will serve the college extremely well.”

Bauer was recommended by both the college council and college senate to serve as interim dean until the search is completed and a permanent dean begins.

“Like Rich Holly, I have devoted most of my academic career to NIU, and it is an honor to be invited to return to serve as interim dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts,” Bauer said. “I am very much looking forward to working with familiar, fine colleagues and will endeavor to support the outstanding work of the students, faculty, and staff in the college and the success of the university as a whole.”

The search process is expected to begin during the 2015-16 academic year with a new dean in place by the start of the fall 2016 semester.